Forbes Middle East has announced its Top Tech Leaders 2026 ranking. The list highlights executives and public officials shaping the Middle East’s digital future. It also reflects the region’s fast progress in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and cloud technology.
Overall, the ranking features 50 entries representing 53 leaders across eight countries. The UAE leads with 25 leaders, which equals 47% of the total list. Saudi Arabia follows with 15 leaders. Meanwhile, Egypt, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Morocco, and Qatar also appear in the ranking.
Three Lists Show Different Areas of Influence
Forbes Middle East divided the ranking into three clear categories.
First, it named Top Tech Leaders in Government.
Next, it listed Top Tech Leaders of Global Companies.
Finally, it ranked Top Tech CEOs in the Middle East.
Editors selected leaders based on impact, role size, technology work, investments, and recent results. In addition, only leaders based in the MENA region qualified for inclusion.
Government Leaders Shape National Tech Strategy
Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, ranked first in the government category. Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi, President of the Saudi Data & AI Authority, took second place. Faisal Al Bannai, Secretary-General of the UAE’s Advanced Technology Research Council, ranked third.
Together, these officials guide national AI policy, cybersecurity systems, and research programmes. As a result, they play a key role in regional digital security and innovation.
Global Tech Executives Expand Regional Markets
In the global companies category, Ronaldo Mouchawar, Amazon’s regional Vice President, secured the top rank. Anthony Nakache of Google and Abdul Rahman Al Thehaiban of Google Cloud shared second place. Fares Akkad of Meta ranked third.
These executives lead cloud services, AI platforms, and enterprise technology growth across Middle Eastern markets. Therefore, they influence both business adoption and digital infrastructure.
Regional CEOs Drive Homegrown Innovation
Among regional technology CEOs, Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42, ranked first. Hatem Dowidar, Group CEO of e&, placed second. Olayan Alwetaid, Group CEO of stc Group, ranked third.
Their companies invest heavily in AI, connectivity, and advanced digital services. Consequently, they support economic diversification and regional innovation.
A Region Moving Quickly Toward an AI Future
The 2026 ranking shows how strongly the Middle East now invests in technology and artificial intelligence. In particular, the UAE continues to strengthen its role as a regional tech hub. At the same time, neighbouring countries expand digital policy and infrastructure.
Through this list, Forbes Middle East recognises leaders who shape innovation, enable growth, and guide the region’s digital transformation.
